EPA Puts 139 Employees on Leave After They Sign a 'Declaration of Dissent'

On July 3, 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency placed 139 employees on administrative leave after they signed a public letter called a "Declaration of Dissent," which accused the administration of undermining the agency's mission through what it called harmful deregulation and a disregard for scientific expertise. The letter carried roughly 620 signatures overall, including current EPA employees who signed with their official titles and about 100 who signed anonymously. EPA said it has a "zero-tolerance policy for career bureaucrats unlawfully undermining, sabotaging and undercutting the administration's agenda," and characterized the action as a temporary, paid, non-duty status for two weeks pending investigation rather than a disciplinary step.

The episode raises the question of where the line falls between a federal employee's First Amendment right to speak on matters of public concern and an agency's authority to police the use of official titles. The number placed on leave - 139 - closely tracks the number who signed with their names and titles attached.

Senate and House Democrats wrote to Administrator Lee Zeldin demanding the employees be reinstated, calling the action retaliation for protected speech. EPA did not reverse the leave in response to those letters.